In this episode of Too Young To Be Old, hosted by the iconic Queen of Jeans, Diane Gilman, listeners are treated to an engaging discussion with Dr. Suptra Tovar, a health psychotherapist, clinical health psychologist, fitness expert, and registered dietitian. Dr. Tovar’s mission is clear—realigning people’s Relationships with their bodies and food, freeing them from the chains of Diet culture and body shaming. Together, Diane and Dr. Tovar unpack the toxic elements of diet culture and discuss the psychology behind eating habits, body image, and how society influences both.

The Industrialization of Food and Diet Culture 

Dr. Tovar emphasizes the role of the industrialization of food and how it has fundamentally altered our relationship with what we eat. She introduces the concept of “craveability experts” employed by food companies to make foods more addictive, making it harder for individuals to maintain a healthy relationship with eating. The discussion touches on how food and the pharmaceutical industries profit from this system, contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and dependence on medications that treat symptoms rather than the root causes of poor health.

A New Approach to Health and Body Image 

Dr. Tovar passionately advocates for a shift away from traditional dieting, highlighting how most diets set people up for failure by leading to a harmful cycle of weight loss and regain. She outlines the physiological and psychological factors that come into play with dieting and encourages listeners to reject the diet culture mindset, which prioritizes thinness over health. Instead, she promotes a holistic approach to health, encouraging individuals to focus on well-being rather than conforming to societal expectations of beauty and body size.

The Impact of Media on Body Image 

Diane and Dr. Tovar discuss the immense pressure society places on women, especially as they age, to maintain unrealistic standards of beauty. Social media filters, photoshopping, and advertising perpetuate this toxic culture, leading to widespread body shaming and dysmorphia. Dr. Tovar offers practical tips to help individuals curate their social media feeds, encouraging them to block or unfollow accounts that make them feel bad about themselves. She stresses the importance of creating a digital environment that promotes mental and physical health.

The Power of Listening to Your Body 

One of the key takeaways from Dr. Tovar’s approach is the idea of reconnecting with your body and honoring its natural signals. She explains how hunger is a positive signal that should be acknowledged rather than suppressed. By tuning into our bodies and understanding what they need, individuals can achieve balance without restrictive diets or unhealthy habits. Dr. Tovar provides insights into mindful eating, encouraging listeners to slow down, be present with their food, and listen to their body’s cues for hunger and fullness.

Practical Tips for Overcoming Diet Culture 

Dr. Tovar shares three practical tips for rejecting diet culture and improving overall health:

1. Curate Your Social Media Feed – Unfollow or block accounts that promote unhealthy beauty standards or make you feel insecure. Instead, follow content that brings joy, whether it’s cute animal videos or inspiring messages.
2. Limit Exposure to Advertisements – Avoid advertising and fashion magazines that push products and unrealistic body ideals. Use that time to engage in enriching activities like reading, learning a new skill, or spending time on a hobby.
3. Set Boundaries with Toxic People – Surround yourself with supportive people and set boundaries with those who promote unhealthy behavior or body shaming.

Connect with Dr. Suptra Tovar

Website – https://drsupatratovar.com/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drsupatratovar/

Connect with Diane

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedianegilman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDianeGilman/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedianegilman/?hl=en

Stay up-to-date on upcoming announcements by signing up for our mailing list at: www.TheDianeGilman.com

You can get a copy of my book on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Too-Young-Be-Old-Vibrant/dp/1637554532

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Diane Gilman Too Young To Be Old with Diane Gilman

A fashion rule-breaker with millions of loyal fans, the charismatic pearl-haired, “Queen of Jeans,” Diane Gilman is 78 years young and embracing aging instead of fighting it. An inspiration for women embracing their third act, Diane is The top Tele-retailing brand globally who is just getting started, and not unlike many women’s stories, recognition for Diane came later in life with the launch of her DG2 Jeans line on HSN which has become the top tele-retailing brand globally, over $100 million dollars a year in retail sales domestically, could be seen on QVC UK, Italy, France, Australia & Canada. Her latest book, “Too Young to be Old,” is another compelling take on conquering life’s challenges and harnessing one’s own power to live a “third act” filled with dream-catching and fulfillment.

After 30 years of experience in front of the camera connecting with the baby boomer audience on television, Diane has set out to become a proaging advocate and a "Silver-haired Influencer". Through social media, YouTube and the launch of her podcast, Too Young To Be Old, Diane's goal is to educate and inspire the 50+ community in a range of lifestyle topics such as nutrition, health & wellness, fashion, beauty & skincare, and any other topics covering aging solutions.